Effects of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma on Streptococcus mutans isolated from Dental Caries

Abstract

A total of (40) oral cavity swabs were sampled from various sites of dental caries (pit, fissure and dental roots) from patients who referred to the Dental Clinic at the College of Dentistry, Aliraqia University, Baghdad, Iraq. Initially, the swabs were placed in test tubes supplied with Stuart transport medium and then distributed by streaking on semi-selective Mitis Salivaris agar medium (MSA). The findings indicated that the isolates are gram-positive cocci that are arranged in chains. The isolates were further morphologically and biochemically identified, using the VITEK instrument, revealing only 32.5 % (n= 13) of S. mutans. The nonthermal plasma (cold atmospheric pressure plasma; CAP) has many uses in the area of research and development of clinical application worldwide. According to the biofilm assay, all isolates showed the capability of producing biofilm, with differences in thickness of the formed layer, with 3 isolates (7.5%) forming a strong layer, 6 (15%) forming a moderate layer, and 4 (10%) forming a weak layer. The non-thermal plasma (cold atmospheric pressure plasma; CAP) has many uses in the area of research and development of clinical application worldwide.